$400K Given to Pharmacy, 3 Colleges: Biloxi Regional Hands Out Checks

By Kat Bergeron, The Sun Herald, Biloxi, Miss.

Mar. 15–South Mississippi’s colleges and universities received a financial shot in the arm Wednesday when Biloxi Regional Medical Center handed each $100,000 for their nursing programs. Another $100,000 went to St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy, bringing the philanthropic booster to $400,000.

William Carey University on the Coast, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and University of Southern Mississippi benefitted. Those who accepted the checks were visibly shocked at the unexpected windfalls.

This is the fourth year Regional has bolstered local nursing programs, but these were the largest checks ever. This region, like the rest of the country, has been experiencing nursing shortages.

“The money comes from the operations of our hospital,” said Tim Mitchell, Biloxi Regional’s chief executive officer. “Even though we are a for-profit hospital we think it is important to give back to the community we serve. Our ultimate goal is to make a positive difference in nursing.”

Rob Briscoe, Regional’s chairman of the board, talked about a sense of accomplishment in continuing the education partnership. “Nursing shortages mean those here have to work more and longer hours, and they get tired,” Briscoe said.

Dr. Katherine Nugent, director of USM’s School of Nursing, said the money would likely be used for the Coast’s clinical simulation lab to train more competent nurses. “This money helps us tremendously,” she said.

MGCCC’s donation will support additional training and financial help for nursing students.

“Simply put, Biloxi Regional’s generosity means more health needs on the entire Gulf Coast will be met,” said Jere Hess, MGCCC associate vice president for development.

Jerry Bracey, William Carey’s dean of the Gulfport campus, said the money, which he called “an overwhelming blessing,” will enhance quality of training.

The fourth recipient, the pharmacy that helps the poor and uninsured, said the donation will help serve a need that has grown stronger since Hurricane Katrina.

“We’ll spend it where it will do the most good for all on the Mississippi Coast struggling so hard to recover,” said pharmacy Director Theresa Pavlov.

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Copyright (c) 2007, The Sun Herald, Biloxi, Miss.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News.

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